College of St. Benilde Blazers Maintain Unbeaten Streak with Dominant Win Over Perpetual Help Altas
In an electrifying display of basketball prowess, the College of St. Benilde Blazers continued their unbeaten run in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament, overpowering the University of Perpetual Help Altas with a commanding 78-51 victory. The match, held at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan, showcased the Blazers’ depth and skill, solidifying their position at the top of the standings with a perfect 4-0 record.
Key Players Shine for the Blazers
Leading the charge for the Blazers was Justine Sanchez, who delivered a stellar performance with 13 points. His ability to find the basket consistently kept the Altas on their toes. Supporting him were Winston Ynot and Gab Cometa, who contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively. The trio’s offensive output was crucial in establishing an early lead and maintaining momentum throughout the game.
Head coach Charles Tiu expressed his concerns before the match, acknowledging the challenge posed by the Altas, who are under the guidance of seasoned coach Olsen Racela. “We were worried going into this game because any team that Olsen handles is a good team,” Tiu remarked. However, the Blazers managed to execute their game plan effectively, showcasing their readiness and resilience.
Game Flow and Strategy
The Blazers started strong, racing to an 18-10 lead by the end of the first quarter. Their defensive strategy stifled the Altas’ offensive efforts, allowing them to create significant separation in the second quarter. By halftime, the Blazers had established a commanding 50-29 lead, a testament to their disciplined play and strategic execution.
As the game progressed, the Blazers continued to extend their lead, reaching a staggering 29-point advantage in the fourth quarter. This dominance was not just a result of individual performances but also a reflection of the team’s cohesive play and unselfish ball movement. The Blazers’ ability to share the scoring load and play as a unit was evident, making it difficult for the Altas to mount any significant comeback.
Altas Struggle to Find Their Rhythm
On the other side of the court, the University of Perpetual Help Altas faced challenges in their offensive execution. Mark Gojo Cruz managed to secure a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Negrense guard Shawn Orgo added 10 points. Despite their efforts, the Altas struggled to keep pace with the Blazers, ultimately falling to a 2-2 record in the tournament.
Coach Racela’s squad was unable to find their rhythm, particularly in the second quarter, where they were outscored significantly. The Altas’ inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and their struggles on defense were critical factors that contributed to their defeat.
Heavy Bombers Bounce Back Against Golden Stags
In another exciting matchup, the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers secured a much-needed victory against the San Sebastian College Golden Stags, winning 90-74. Negrense Mart James Barrera, a former standout from Bacolod Tay Tung High School, played a pivotal role in the Heavy Bombers’ success, scoring 18 points, including four three-pointers.
Marvin Raymundo also shone brightly, recording a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds. His performance, alongside contributions from Jonathan Medina and others, helped the Heavy Bombers improve their record to 1-3. Coach Louie Gonzalez expressed relief at the victory, emphasizing the importance of showing up and performing well as a team.
Golden Stags’ Struggles Continue
The Golden Stags, despite individual efforts from players like Rafael Are, who scored 17 points, faced difficulties in maintaining consistency throughout the game. With this loss, they dropped to a 2-2 record, highlighting the need for adjustments as the season progresses.
The NCAA Season 100 continues to deliver thrilling basketball action, with teams vying for supremacy and players showcasing their talents. As the Blazers remain unbeaten, the competition intensifies, promising more exciting matchups in the weeks to come.